Abstracts Womens Studies

Men against violence. Analysis of social awareness campaigns in Poland

by Łukasz Gabler

This thesis addresses gender, masculinities and intimate partner violence in Poland. More specifically, the aim of this study is to problematize how masculinities are represented in Polish anti-violence social campaigns. Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women and is a major problem that affects both  men and women in Poland. The study approaches violence from a feminist position, and considers  men's violence to be an important element constructing masculinities. In the study, social campaigns are considered as policies which have a great potential to influence existing masculinities types and to introduce new, non-violent models of being a man. With the use of Bacchi`s “What`s the problem represented to be?” method and an intersectional perspective on gender and masculinities, Polish anti-violence campaigns are analysed to find out if they reproduce and/or challenge any social assumptions regarding men`s violence. The study found that even though campaigns challenged some of the existing masculinities types,  they also referred to existing discourses of men as protectors, providers and fighters. Final conclusions underline the need for awareness social campaigns directed towards men and with men as role models. Refraining from the use of masculinities connected with heroism and dominance, aggression and violence is recommended.